GPX to KML Converter
Convert GPS Exchange files to KML format for Google Earth and Google Maps visualization
Your Data is Secure
All file conversions happen directly in your browser. We never upload, store, or save your files on any server. Your data remains completely private and secure.
How to Convert GPX to KML
Follow these simple steps to convert your files quickly and easily
Upload Your GPX File
Click the upload area above or drag and drop your GPX file. Select a .gpx file from your GPS device, fitness tracker, or route planning software.
Click Convert
Click the convert button to process your GPX file. The converter extracts GPS tracks and creates a KML file with route visualization and placemarks.
Download Your KML File
Once conversion is complete, download your new KML file. Open it in Google Earth or Google Maps to visualize your route with 3D terrain and animation.
About GPX to KML Conversion
Learn more about the converter and its creator
Jonas
I'm a software developer and sports enthusiast. I created these converters to help athletes manage their workout data efficiently.
Understanding GPX to KML Conversion
Converting GPX (GPS Exchange Format) files to KML (Keyhole Markup Language) format allows you to visualize your GPS tracks and routes in Google Earth, Google Maps, and other mapping applications. This conversion transforms your recorded tracks into rich, interactive map visualizations.
What Data is Preserved?
The conversion process maintains all essential GPS and track data, including:
- GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) from all trackpoints
- Elevation data from trackpoints
- Timestamp information for each trackpoint
- Heart rate data (from GPX extensions)
- Power output (from GPX extensions)
- Cadence information (from GPX extensions)
- Speed measurements (from GPX extensions)
- Track names and metadata
- Start and finish point markers
- Complete GPS track with timestamps for animation
KML Format Benefits for GPX Data
Converting GPX to KML offers several visualization advantages:
- Viewable in Google Earth with 3D terrain visualization
- Compatible with Google Maps for route sharing
- Time-based animation showing your route progression
- Visual start and finish markers for easy reference
- Elevation profiles displayed in 3D landscapes
- Easy sharing with friends, family, or social media
- Works with most mapping and GIS applications
Common Use Cases
Converting GPX files to KML format is particularly useful for:
- Sharing hiking, cycling, or running routes visually
- Creating route maps for travel blogs or presentations
- Analyzing elevation changes and terrain features
- Planning future activities based on past routes
- Creating beautiful flyover animations in Google Earth
- Archiving favorite routes in a visual format
- Combining multiple routes for comparison
Multi-Track Support
Key features for complex GPX files:
- Supports GPX files with multiple tracks
- Combines all tracks into a single continuous route
- Preserves trackpoint data from all segments
- Maintains chronological order of trackpoints
- Calculates total distance across all tracks
Technical Details
The conversion process involves these steps:
- Parsing the GPX XML structure
- Extracting tracks and trackpoints with coordinates
- Validating GPS coordinates and filtering invalid points
- Processing GPX extensions for sensor data
- Creating KML track with timestamps and coordinates
- Adding start/finish placemarks with custom styling
- Including extended data for heart rate, power, and cadence
- Generating valid KML XML with proper schemas
Pro Tip
The generated KML file includes extended data for heart rate, power, and cadence if present in your GPX file. In Google Earth, you can use the time slider to animate your route and see your progression over time. The track appears as a red line with green start and red finish markers for easy identification.
Google Earth Features
When viewing your KML file in Google Earth, you can enable the time slider to watch your route animate in real-time. The elevation data creates a 3D visualization that shows climbs and descents, making it perfect for analyzing hiking trails, cycling routes, or running paths with elevation changes.
File Compatibility
The converter works with standard GPX files from GPS devices, fitness trackers, and route planning software. While basic GPS coordinates are required, extended data like heart rate and power are optional and will be included if present in the GPX file extensions.